UNICEF and ISCC Join Forces to Empower Children: A New Era of Support

In an exciting development for child welfare in Iran, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Iran-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce (ISCC) for a three-year initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of vulnerable children. This collaboration marks a significant step towards improving child welfare and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

On January 12, 2025, a ceremonial signing event took place to formalize this partnership, coinciding with the 10th anniversary celebration of the ISCC. The agreement signals a commitment to not only provide financial resources but also to facilitate knowledge exchange that will benefit children across Iran.

According to a press release from UNICEF dated January 14, the new partnership will focus on several key areas:

• Financial Support: The ISCC will contribute funds to UNICEF’s various programs aimed at improving children’s lives.
• Knowledge Sharing: The collaboration will involve exchanging expertise to enhance the effectiveness of initiatives designed for vulnerable children.
• Skill Development: The partnership aims to organize training programs for adolescents to equip them with essential skills for the future.
• Nutritional Support: Providing nutritional assistance to children in need will be a priority under this agreement.

Monika Oledzka Nielsen, UNICEF Representative (ad interim) in Iran, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential, stating, “UNICEF has benefited from the Iran-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce’s support in the past, particularly in implementing responsible business practices for children.” She added, “Building on the success of our initial partnership in 2018, the expanded three-year partnership will continue to leverage the strengths of the ISCC for the children in the country.”

ISCC President Sharif Nezam-Mafi also emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “For Iran-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce, partnering with the United Nations Children’s Fund yields substantial benefits for our society, and especially for our members intent on fostering positive societal impact.” He further noted that elevating child welfare, education, and health is a vital step towards creating a more inclusive and nurturing world.

In addition to the collaboration with the ISCC, UNICEF has been actively involved in various partnerships aimed at promoting children’s rights and welfare throughout Iran. For instance, in November 2024, UNICEF and the Book City Institute entered into a three-year agreement to focus on children’s welfare and rights.

This collaboration with the Book City Institute aims to:

• Promote Reading: Initiatives will be launched to foster a love for reading among children, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds.
• Organize Book Clubs: Book-reading leagues and clubs will be established to engage children in literary activities.
• Acknowledge Literature: Cultural awards will be instituted to honor authors and publishers of children’s literature.
• Mobilize Resources: Efforts will be made to gather resources to support UNICEF’s critical programs in Iran.

Furthermore, on September 9, 2024, UNICEF partnered with the Iran-Austria Joint Chamber of Commerce (IAJCC) to enhance the welfare of children in Iran. This agreement aims to:

• Financial Mobilization: The IAJCC will gather financial support from its members for UNICEF’s initiatives.
• Collaborative Efforts: Both organizations will work together to create opportunities for the business sector to positively impact children’s lives.

Former UNICEF Representative in Iran, Robin Nandy, praised the IAJCC’s commitment, stating, “UNICEF highly appreciates the support of the IAJCC to promote responsible business practices among private and public sectors aimed at advancing children’s welfare in Iran.” He also expressed hope for more such partnerships that prioritize children’s rights within the corporate sustainability agenda.

These partnerships signify a growing recognition of the role that businesses can play in child welfare and underscore the importance of collaborative efforts to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations. Through these initiatives, UNICEF and its partners are committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of children across Iran.

Overall, the collaboration between UNICEF and the ISCC, along with other recent partnerships, reflects a broader commitment to championing children’s rights and ensuring that every child has access to the support they need to thrive.